Stamped, But Not Real

The floor looked like a war zone.

Serena popped her meds and hauled her stuff to the guest room.

On the way out, she paused by the shattered glass and grabbed a photo.

The only one she and Vincent ever took. Now officially the last.

She hadn't figured out what to do with it while packing.

Guess Maggie handled that for her.

Serena smirked, ripped it up, and let the pieces fall into the trash.

Vincent didn't show up that night.

***

Serena woke to clattering in the kitchen at five a.m.

Vincent froze when he saw her, guilt flashing across his face.

"Did I wake you? Maggie didn't eat last night, so I'm making her creamy seafood soup. You should grab a bowl too."

She stared at the pot, silent.

He still remembered every single thing Maggie liked—even after all that time apart.

Just yesterday, she mentioned her seafood allergy—he hadn't even registered it.

She hadn't known he could cook until now.

Love hits different when it's one-sided.

"I'm good. Don't save me any," she said, voice low.

She turned to leave.

"About last night..." he called. "I panicked when I saw Maggie hurt. I didn't mean what I said. Don't take it personally."

She nodded.

"Right. Emergency. I get it."

Her calm threw him. Watching her eyes drop, guilt clenched his chest.

"It's been forever since we went anywhere. Once things settle, let's take a trip. Just us."

She gave a vague hum.

Didn't matter. She'd be out of there in a few days anyway.

***

Three days later, Serena got back from a day out with friends and found Vincent and Maggie already home.

They were curled up on the couch, flipping through some old photo album.

Maggie lit up when she saw her.

"Miss Saun, you're back! Vincent and I were just looking at old pics. Our friends always said we looked like a married couple. I thought they were just joking, but even the photographer said so during our wedding shoot. Come see—don't we look totally husband-and-wife?"

The air turned icy for a second.

It was a straight-up power move, but Serena didn't flinch.

She nodded.

"Yeah, they're right. You two really—"

Vincent jumped in.

"There's a class reunion tonight. Serena, come with us."

She almost laughed.

Nice try. He clearly thought she was hurt and was scrambling to fix it.

***

The drive over was dead silent. Everyone was stuck in their own heads.

At the hotel, Maggie stayed close to Vincent, chatting about high school like they were still living it. Halfway through a story, she slipped her arm through his.

Serena trailed behind, quiet.

The second they walked into the room, people swarmed.

"What's going on with you two?"

"Didn't think you'd actually end up together after all this time!"

Maggie didn't say a word—just blushed and smiled like it said everything.

Then someone spotted Serena standing by the door.

"And she is...?"